Juventus are preparing a summer bid for midfielder Franck Kessié after he reportedly paused contract talks with Al Ahli. The Turin club is said to be willing to offer a two-year deal worth about €5m per season — a substantial pay cut from his reported €14m salary — reflecting Juve’s strategy to add proven, cost-effective midfield reinforcements.
Juventus target Franck Kessié as free agent
Juventus have moved to position themselves for Franck Kessié, the 29-year-old midfielder who has placed talks over a Saudi extension on hold. The potential move would see Juve chase a high-impact, experienced central midfielder on a free transfer — a smart, low-fee approach as the club rebuilds its midfield core.
What the reported offer looks like
Juventus are reportedly ready to propose a two-year contract at roughly €5m per season. That figure contrasts sharply with Kessié’s current, higher earnings in Saudi Arabia, but it aligns with Juventus’s wage-control needs and the market for quality free agents. A two-year deal also suits both sides: short-term security for the player and limited long-term commitment for Juve.
Why Kessié fits Juventus’s needs
Kessié brings physicality, box-to-box energy and direct ball progression — traits Juventus lack consistently since their midfield reshuffle. He can press, win duels and arrive late in the box, providing goals and a defensive shield in transitions. At 29 he offers a balance of peak performance years and experience, making him an attractive option for a club focused on immediate improvement without heavy transfer fees.
Other clubs and the competitive landscape
Interest beyond Turin has been linked to clubs in Serie A who value Kessié’s profile, with teams monitoring the situation and ready to move if negotiations progress. Inter remain in the market for a midfield presence with Kessié’s characteristics, while Roma are also mentioned among potential suitors. That competition could influence the financial terms on offer and Kessié’s final decision.
Juventus’s broader summer strategy
Kessié is just one of several free-agent targets being considered as Juventus aims to reinforce economically. The club has been linked with high-profile options and appears to be prioritizing experienced, low-transfer-cost solutions to rebuild quality and depth across midfield and attack. This approach aims to accelerate short-term competitiveness while managing long-term financial stability.
What this means and what comes next
If Juventus land Kessié, they gain a ready-made starter who can immediately upgrade midfield intensity and goal threat. The key variables are salary expectations, the player’s appetite to return to Serie A, and any late offers from elsewhere.
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Expect formal negotiations to heat up closer to the summer window, with Juventus weighing Kessié against other targets and roster balance ahead of final decisions.
Football Italia
